11 People on the Move

Aon welcomes a new chief product officer, RT Specialty promotes a new leader and more in this edition of People on the Move.
By: | August 6, 2019

Christina Anagnostopoulou Named Group HR and Organization Director by Europ Assistance

Christina Anagnostopoulou, group HR and organization director, Europ Assistance

Europ Assistance has appointed Christina Anagnostopoulou as its new Group HR and Organization Director.

Anagnostopoulou joins the team in Paris from Europ Assitance Italy, where she served in the same position.

“Christina’s promotion is a shining example of the strong internal talent we have,” said Europ Assistance CEO Antoine Parisi. “It’s important to have an executive team made up of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints; we’re proud to add another female leader with an impressive track record to our team. Christina has already been a large part of building our culture of caring at the Group level and will now build on Roberto’s achievements by delivering an HR transformation that will enable us to achieve our vision of being the most reliable care company in the world.”

She replaces Roberto Ravagnani who was promoted to Head of Global HR Operations & HR Business Partner for Generali Group.

“Roberto has played a crucial role during his time with Europ Assistance, modernizing how we work and building a culture that truly reflects who we are and where we want to go. I congratulate him on his new role within the Generali Group and thank him for all that he has done,” added Parisi.

Anagnostopoulou previously as worked Head of Group Talent Management before joining Europ Assistance in 2017. She was hired by the Generali Group in 2014 and worked first in Generali Group’s Head Office in Milan.

RT Specialty Promotes New Chief Claims Officer

RT Specialty has promoted Todd Mannschreck to president of claims, chief claims officer. He will be based out of RT Specialty’s Kansas City office.

Since taking over the company’s claims practice in 2013, Mannschreck has tripled the size and revenue of his team, showcasing his leadership skills and creative approach to the industry. The company prides itself on personal and modern approaches to services, claims, and customer relationships.

Tim Turner, Chairman and CEO of RT Specialty, expressed his approval in Mannschreck’s promotion: “Todd is a super star who has a phenomenal ability to work with our carrier partners to advocate on behalf of our retail broker clients and their insureds. Through Todd’s leadership, we have developed an outstanding claims team. I’m thrilled to be promoting Todd to this well-deserved position.”

Before joining RT Specialty, Mannschreck had the role of Senior Claims, Litigation Supervisor for Ferrellgas, LP, where he oversaw and directed attorneys on large exposure and litigated claims. He attended University of Nebraska and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Joshua Walker Joins Aon as Chief Product Officer 

Joshua Walker, Chief Product Officer, Aon

Joshua Walker has been appointed Chief Product Officer for Aon’s Intellectual Property Solutions. The sector is focused on helping clients manage their intangible assets while continuing to educate the marketplace. In his new role, Joshua will lead the team in San Fransico. He has practiced intellectual property law in Silicon Valley for almost two decades as the head of Silicon Valley Intellectual Property Transactions for Simpson Thacher.

On top of his years of industry experience, he co-founded Lex Machina, Inc., and established multiple law and computer science ventures while at Standford. He is also a published author.

Joshua brings a wealth of experience. He has practiced intellectual property and “big data” law in Silicon Valley for more than 16 years, including as head of Silicon Valley Intellectual Property Transactions for Simpson Thacher. In part to improve U.S. transactional diligence and intellectual property litigation processes, he co-founded and led Lex Machina, Inc., and has helped establish numerous law and computer science ventures at Stanford University. He is the author of the forthcoming “On Legal AI.”  Walker received his A.B. degree from Harvard College, m.c.l., and his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

“We know that data, and more importantly the understanding of it, is now a cornerstone of every organization,” said John Bruno, Chief Executive Officer of Aon’s Data & Analytic Services “Joshua’s wide-ranging experience, from building a business from the ground up to the realities of data’s impact in the courtroom, will be pivotal as we continue to change the conversation around intangible assets.”

“Joshua brings incredible insight to the team. We are thrilled to have him join Aon as we continue to innovate at scale, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on solutions to identify and manage risks surrounding proprietary data and maximize value for our clients,” added Lewis Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Aon’s Intellectual Property Solutions.

Walker’s firm is part of New Ventures Group which focuses on the delivery of new sources to bring value to clients. It was formed in 2018 as part of Aon’s growth strategy

Allianz Canada Names New Leader of Global Corporate & Specialty

Linda Regner Dykeman has been appointed Chief Agent of Canada to lead all of the country’s business operations for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty. Her role is effective immediately and she will report to Bill Scaldaferri, AGCS President & CEO North America.

“Linda’s deep understanding of the Canadian market and her proven leadership skills in the MidCorp space make her a natural successor to Ulrich and someone I greatly look forward to working closely with,” said Scaldaferri. “Canada is and remains an area of great strategic importance for AGCS both within North America and globally.”

This is an internal promotion, as Dykeman was previously the head of MidCorp for AGCS Canada since 2016.

In the last three years Dykeman has developed and executed strategies and overseen a flourishing team of underwriters and managers. She has over 25 years of industry experience in commercial insurance and leadership.

Since 2016, Dykeman has been the Head of MidCorp for AGCS Canada. During this time, she developed and executed the MidCorp strategy for Canada, and has overseen a strong and growing team of underwriters and managers. She has more than 25 years of commercial insurance and leadership experience.

Her successor has not yet been appointed.

RT Specialty Names Alexandra Jackson to Environmental and Construction Professional Liability Practice

Alexandra Jackson, account administrator, RT Specialty

RT Specialty’s National Environmental and Construction Professional Liability Practice has named Alexandra (Lexie) Jackson it’s latest account administrator.

Jackson’s role will include assisting the company’s sales and new business initiatives with ongoing account management, claims and policy servicing support.

“Lexie is an intelligent, dedicated self-starter who, while working at other firms, has assisted contractors both big and small to identify their desired project coverage,” says Jefferey S. Lejfer, CPCU, President of RT New Day. “This experience will prove invaluable as she learns our business and client needs in an environment committed to customer service and excellence.”

Jackson previously worked with the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America in Lansing, Michigan and Wrap Up Insurance Solutions Inc. in Chesterfield, Missouri before joining RT Specialty.

Allianz Global Promotes Kelly Castriotta

Kelly Castriotta has been promoted to Regional Head of Product Development for Financial Lines in North America for Allianz Global & Corporate Specialty SE.

Castriotta will report to Laura Coppola, AGCS’s Regional Head of Financial Lines based in New York. Castriotta will remain based in Chicago.

“As Regional Head of Product Development, Kelly will lead initiatives to identify and develop new offerings that address our global clients’ evolving needs,” said Coppola. “Kelly will work closely with Jennifer O’Neill, who leads our International Insurance Solutions and Multinational division and previously led product development efforts, to ensure AGCS continues to provide innovative risk management solutions and services.”

Castriotta began her career as an attorney for Kaufman, Borgeest & Ryan LLP in New York. She spent almost ten years in insurance before joining the AGCS Financial Lines team in 2018. She has substantial experience in managing cyber strategy, product development and underwriting and coverage litigation.

Castriotta serves as Vice-Chair to the Professional Liability Insurance General Committee of the American Bar Association.

Chris Schmidt Expands His Brightway Enterprise

Chris Schmidt, Owner, The Schmidt Family Agency, Brightway Insurance

Chris Schmidt, the owner of a Brightway Insurance agency in Harahan, Louisiana, is opening a second enterprise

The new location, which was rebranded Brightway, The Schmidt Family Agency, and is located in Pace, Florida. Twelve percent of Brightway Insurance is owned by enterprises.

“It was only a few weeks ago that we celebrated a sales milestone of $600 million in annualized written premium, and welcoming Brightway’s newest Enterprise Owner so soon has only solidified our faith in the success of our system,” said Brightway CEO and Co-Founder Michael Miller. “We’re proud that our business model has continuously fostered the success and confidence of our Enterprise Owners by offering them comprehensive support and encouraging them to reach their potential.”

Schmidt, who opened his first Brightway agency in 2016, called the second enterprise a “dream come true.”

“I’ve been impressed with Brightway’s system of support, and each day I’m recommitted to making sure that my fellow community members have the coverage they need to protect themselves and their families,” said Schmidt. “I’m looking forward to forging new ties with our friends and neighbors in Pace.”

Jim Lombardo Named Big I New York’s AVP of Learning and Development

Jim Lombardo has been named Assistant Vice President of Learning and Development for Big I New York.

As 21st century education evolves, Lombardo will be tasked with expanding and evolving Big I’s research offerings.

“Simply put, I want Big I New York to be the first and only place where any independent agent goes for education, knowledge, research, and support,” said Lombardo. “Our education department will leverage our first-class research and government relations areas to create content our agent/members can use and apply to their everyday operations.”

Lombardo previously served as Chief Operating Manager for AmeriCU Insurance Services, LLC before joining the Big I team. He has over 35 years of industry experience.

“Jim’s successful track record on the carrier and agency side coupled with his experience and passion for insurance education are unique,” says Lisa Lounsbury, Big I New York President and CEO. “He is well positioned to understand the development needs within the industry and deliver on innovative ways to serve today and tomorrow’s learner.”

Lombardo says he looks forward to equipping new agents with knowledge and finding fresh talent to support the insurance industry.

Timothy Howlin Joins Orchid Medical As Chief Sales Officer 

Tim Howlin, chief sales officer, Orchid Medical

Orchid Medical, a fast-growing provider of ancillary medical solutions in the workers’ compensation industry, has named Timothy Howlin Chief Sales Officer. Howlin is known for his industry expertise and will lead the sales, client services and marketing teams in support of the company’s growth initiatives.

Howlin has over 25 years of industry experience and has sustained impressive revenue growth. Most recently, he served as Chief Sales Officer for Rising Medical Solutions where he achieved premium sales growth. Prior to that position, Howlin served as senior vice president for Optum, a division of United Healthcare Group.

“Orchid has a solid reputation of delivering high-touch, customizable ancillary solutions that create efficiencies and reduce costs for clients,” said Howlin. “I’m proud to join a company committed to service excellence, and I look forward to driving new business and growing our existing client partnerships.”

In addition to his newly acquired role with Orchid, Howland serves as president emeritus of the New York Claims Association and serves on the board of directors for The American Society of Workers’ Compensation Professionals (AMCOMP).

Megan Prendergast Millard and Matthew L. Levine Bring Their Expertise to Guidepost Solutions 

Guidepost Solutions, compliance, investigations, and security consulting services, have appointed two new employees from the New York State Department of Financial Services; Matthew L. Levine has been named president of Financial and Regulatory Compliance Services and Megan Prendergast Millard has been named a senior managing director.

Levine was most recently the Executive Deputy Superintendent for Enforcement at the DFS, while Millard served as the Deputy Superintendent.

They led major investigations and enforcement actions, including an enforcement action against Deutsche Bank for compliance violations concerning the Russian money laundering scandal. They have also filed enforcement actions against Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays Bank, Chubb Insurance and Lloyds of London.

“Matt and Megan bring a wealth of public and private sector experience and we are pleased to welcome them as we expand our global compliance capabilities,” said Julie Myers Wood, CEO of Guidepost Solutions. “Our clients are turning to us more and more for guidance on an ever-changing regulatory regime and to address compliance in today’s financial markets. The addition of Megan and Matt illustrates our commitment to delivering positive outcomes across the financial ecosystem as technologies change and create new demands on corporate compliance programs.”

Levine worked for over a decade as a federal prosecutor in both the District of Columbia and Eastern District of New York. Levine clerked for United States District Judge Barefoot Sanders in Dallas, Texas. He earned his J.D. at Columbia School of Law and a B.A. in Government at Lehigh University.

Previously, Millard worked for the Dreyfus Corporation and served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Office of the District Attorney in Kings County, New York. She earned her J.D. cum laude from St. John’s University School of Law and a B.A. in American Studies at Fordham University. &

Emily Spennato is a former staff writer with Risk & Insurance.

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